10 Ways to Improve Collaboration with IT

Stay competitive in the fast paced economy with these top collaboration tips For decentralized teams working in a fast-paced, idea-driven economy, calling a weekly meeting isn’t good enough. By leveraging IT, modern workplaces are staying competitive by re-imagining teamwork as a process of constant communication and collaboration.

Google Apps.Google Apps is a collaborative work platform incorporating Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar and more. Hardware and OS independent, Google Apps is a great choice for companies that want to avoid the cost of an IT department.

Microsoft SkyDrive.SkyDrive provides a collaborative interface that works seamlessly with the Microsoft Office suite, allowing your employees to work together right away, without having to get used to new applications.

Wikispaces. Wikipedia has created a new standard for collaborative editing, and you can follow suit with Wikispaces. Wikis are especially popular for creating documentation on large projects.

Skype. Placing a call or sending an email is fine for a simple exchange of information, but nothing beats face time for creating rapport and Skype makes that possible, even if your client is halfway around the world.

BaseCamp. With a simple interface and intuitive features, BaseCamp is designed to be used constantly. This simple platform, which markets itself to entrepreneurs and small businesses, already has millions of adherents.

OfficeMedium. Taking collaboration a step further, OfficeMedium combines productivity applications and social network with full client integration. Clients are able to interact with the rest of the team according to your specifications, ensuring there are no surprises when the final product is delivered.

Socialtext. Combining social networking, microblogging and wikis into a single interface, Socialtext creates an information-rich work environment that gets everyone working in unison. With its web-based architecture, Socialtext is meant to complement, not replace, the IT system that your company currently has in place.

Office Web Apps. Did you know that you can get Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote with nothing more than a web browser and an internet connection? Microsoft Office Web Apps are free and offer basic Office functionality online, with the ability to transfer files seamlessly back and forth from the full desktop versions.

Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite. With Microsoft’s internet based online services, you can get a complete email server, intranet and other collaboration tools.

Virtual Rooms.HP Virtual Rooms creates an online space for you to meet colleagues and clients, chat with them and share your desktop, your presentations and any applications you want to run. It’s real time and it’s easy to use.

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